WASHINGTON (AP) — Eight years ago, immigrant advocates sought their senator's help to block the deportations of about 30 Mexican nationals who were living in the United States illegally.

The senator was Barack Obama, and he turned them down.

It was one of the first times that Obama could have used the power of his office to help immigrants facing deportation.

As president, his powers are magnified — and such a decision is upon him again with the status of millions of immigrants at stake.

That episode in 2006 represents just one early marker in Obama's complicated history with the politics of immigration.

Obama over time has been embraced and scorned by immigrant advocates who have viewed him as both a champion and an obstacle to their cause.

More From WIBX 950